Toompea Castle

Toompea Castle
About

Crowning the limestone hill of Toompea in Tallinn’s Old Town, Toompea Castle is a striking symbol of Estonian history and governance. Originally built in the 13th century by Danish crusaders, the fortress has evolved through centuries of foreign rule—Swedish, Russian, and now proudly Estonian. Today, its pink Baroque façade conceals a blend of medieval and modern architecture, housing the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and admire its tall Pikk Hermann tower, from which the national flag is raised each morning to the sound of the anthem. Overlooking the city’s red rooftops and cobbled streets, Toompea Castle offers more than just a glimpse into Tallinn’s past—it stands as a living monument to national identity and resilience, nestled at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tallinn Estonia
Location

Toompea Castle is located at Lossi plats 1a, on Toompea Hill in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town. This historic castle, with origins dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, now serves as the seat of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) and is easily recognized by its late Baroque façade and the iconic Tall Hermann tower, where the Estonian flag flies as a symbol of national independence. The area around Toompea Castle is rich with attractions; just steps away are the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a striking Russian Orthodox landmark, and St. Mary’s Cathedral (Dome Church), the city’s oldest church. Nearby, you’ll also find several panoramic viewpoints offering sweeping views over Tallinn’s red rooftops and the Baltic Sea, as well as the Estonian History Museum and the Kiek in de Kök fortifications. The castle’s central location on Toompea Hill makes it a perfect starting point for exploring the cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant culture of Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Fat Margaret Tower Fat Margaret Tower Tallinn Kiek in de Kök & Bastion Tunnels Kiek in de Kök & Bastion Tunnels Tallinn Estonian History Museum Estonian History Museum Tallinn Kumu Art Museum Kumu Art Museum Tallinn Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom Tallinn Estonian Maritime Museum Estonian Maritime Museum Tallinn Tallinn City Museum Tallinn City Museum Tallinn Children’s Museum Miiamilla Children’s Museum Miiamilla Tallinn Estonian Open Air Museum Estonian Open Air Museum Tallinn Estonian National Opera Estonian National Opera Tallinn Russian Theatre Russian Theatre Tallinn Kadriorg Art Museum Kadriorg Art Museum Tallinn Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia Tallinn Draakoni Gallery Draakoni Gallery Tallinn Tallinn Art Hall Tallinn Art Hall Tallinn Kadriorg Palace Kadriorg Palace Tallinn Town Hall Square Town Hall Square Tallinn Freedom Square Freedom Square Tallinn Kadriorg Park Kadriorg Park Tallinn Danish King's Garden Danish King's Garden Tallinn Botanic Garden of Tallinn Botanic Garden of Tallinn Tallinn Balti Jaama Turg Balti Jaama Turg Tallinn Viru Street Viru Street Tallinn St. Catherine’s Passage St. Catherine’s Passage Tallinn Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Tallinn St. Olaf’s Church St. Olaf’s Church Tallinn St. Mary’s Cathedral St. Mary’s Cathedral Tallinn Tallinn Old Town Tallinn Old Town Tallinn Patkuli Viewing Platform Patkuli Viewing Platform Tallinn Pikk Hermann Tower Pikk Hermann Tower Tallinn

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